Moving your body can do more than just build strength. For children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, regular exercise can specifically improve fundamental motor skills. These are the basic movements that help a child navigate the world around them.
Researchers looked at 31 different trials to see how exercise impacts these skills. They found that exercise led to significant improvements in three key areas: object control skills, locomotor skills (the ability to move from one place to another), and stability skills (balance). The data showed that longer exercise sessions were linked to better results in controlling objects.
While the results are promising, the details matter. For example, some data suggested that three sessions a week for up to 10 weeks helped with movement skills, though this specific pattern was not confirmed by all types of statistical checks. These findings highlight how targeted physical activity can support the physical development of children with autism.
